Anxiety has been deemed the most common of all mental disorders. More than 300 million people across the globe live with anxiety, and that number is constantly growing. Anxiety disorders can be treated in various ways, including counseling, building awareness and mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Certain types of medication can also be used to treat the condition, but whether it’s always the best approach is very much up for debate. Both sides deserve a closer look.
Medications for Anxiety
Several types of medications are commonly prescribed for anxiety. Adderall is a medication that’s typically used to treat ADHD. It works by regulating certain neurotransmitters and increasing dopamine levels. That, in turn, calms the symptoms of ADHD. Because Adderall temporarily boosts dopamine levels, some feel it counteracts some of the symptoms of anxiety as well.
That being said, it’s important to understand Adderall Use and Its Anxiety-Related Consequences. As a stimulant, Adderall can also exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. People who live with ADHD sometimes develop anxiety due to the effects of ADHD as well as Adderall that’s prescribed for it. Because of that, Adderall isn’t typically used to treat anxiety though many people with co-occurring ADHD and anxiety often take it.
Commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Those medications can be helpful for managing anxiety symptoms like restlessness, panic attacks, and constant worrying. Benzodiazepines are sedatives, so they address those symptoms by calming the nervous system. SSRIs, on the other hand, increase serotonin levels in the brain. Higher serotonin levels can foster happiness and positivity. They also help to regulate sleep, which often aids in mitigating the symptoms of anxiety to an extent.
Other Types of Treatments for Anxiety
In addition to medications, other types of treatments can help people overcome anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is geared toward helping people identify thoughts that exacerbate their anxiety and find ways of redirecting their thought processes. It essentially aids people in stopping the downward spirals that often come with anxiety. Interpersonal and exposure therapy can also be helpful. Some people have likewise found relief from anxiety through acupuncture and meditation.
At the same time, certain dietary changes can make a major difference for people with anxiety. Foods that are rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help ease the symptoms of anxiety. Processed foods, alcohol, and foods that are high in sugar may increase anxiety. Excessive amounts of caffeine can heighten anxiety as well. Avoiding those is recommended.
Is Medication the Best Option?
Countless people have found relief from their anxiety through medication. It’s all some people need to mitigate their symptoms and allow them to enjoy life. Others find that it’s only partially helpful, though. For them, a combination of medication, therapy, and other treatments may be necessary. Some people don’t feel that anxiety medications help them at all, so they certainly wouldn’t be the best course of action in those situations.
Is Medication Recommended for Anxiety?
In a nutshell, medication is often recommended for treating anxiety. Still, it’s not enough for some people. In certain cases, combining medication with one or more types of therapy is a better solution. Other times, foregoing medication altogether and relying solely on therapy is advised. Ultimately, this decision should be made on an individual basis between a person who suffers from anxiety and his or her physician or therapist.